Majority of Tunisian political parties approve new election date

09:36, June 10, 2011

The majority of Tunisia's political parties have approved the postponement of the election date for the country's Constituent Assembly to Oct. 23, the official TAP press agency reported Thursday.

The new date was announced on Wednesday by Tunisian caretaker Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi, after the head of the independent election committee had suggested Oct. 16, ruling out the initial date of July 24 for logistic reasons.

Even Ennahdha, the country's main Islamist party's spokesman which had initially contested the postponement, welcomed the new date which he said is "based on a consensus between political parties."

On their part, the Democratic Progressive Party (PDP), Ettajdid (communist party), El Majd, the Tunisian Communist Workers' party (POCT) and the Social Liberal Party (PSL) all approved the new date, TAP said.

The Constituent Assembly which is due to be elected on Oct. 23, will have 218 members and will be tasked with redrafting the country's constitution, as well as appointing a new government and head of state.